10 Biggest Stars of the 2013 African Cup of Nations so Far

The group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations are now done and dusted, as we look forward to the quarter-finals.

There have been some great individual performances so far. Some from players that we'll be seeing more of in the quarters and beyond. Some from players who will be going home early with their reputations enhanced.

Here's the 10 biggest stars of the 2013 African Cup of Nations so far.

10. Asamoah Gyan

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There's always a player in a tournament that starts slowly and then bursts into life. At Afcon 2013, that man could be Ghana's AsamoahGyan.

Gyan put in a commanding performance in Ghana's 3-0 win over Niger in their final group game. Not only did he get on the score-sheet himself, but Gyan also set up the other two goals to complete a masterclass of attacking play.

With Cape Verde waiting for Gyan and Ghana in the last eight, the former Sunderland striker should have the opportunity to play in the latter stages of this tournament and make a similar impression as he managed in the 2010 World Cup.

6. Gervinho

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There's not many fans of European clubs who welcome one of their players being picked for the Africa Cup of Nations and missing several games.

Arsenal fans might be the exception when it comes to Gervinho. The Ivory Coast attacker has been in pretty shocking form for the Gunners this season, but he's seems to be enjoying his football again out in South Africa.

Gervinho scored in Ivory Coast's opening two fixtures and has generally looked a different player to the one that's been so hapless in North London.

5. Kennedy Mweene

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The Zambia goalkeeper was one of the major stars of the 2012 tournament. Kennedy Mweene both scored and saved a spot-kick, during a penalty shoot-out in the competition final against Ivory Coast, to help his country to victory in the competition.

Subsequently named as the best goalkeeper of that tournament, Mweene has carried on where he left off.

Mweene scores a penalty in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria and also manage to save two during the group stages. Zambia failed to progress to the knockout stages, but Mweene has already made his case to be named as the tournament's best goalkeeper for a second time.

2. Yaya Toure

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Yaya Toure was always likely to be one of the biggest stars at this tournament. Since moving to Manchester City from Barcelona, Toure has proved that he's far more than a mere holding-midfielder, injecting the drive into a team that won the Premier League.

The Ivorian has been the best player for his country so far, despite only featuring in the first two games before being rested against Algeria. Toure was on target in the wins over Togo and Tunisia.